Sexual function and sexual satisfaction following spinal cord injury: an interpretative phenomenological analysis of partner experiences
| Autor: | Olivia E. C. Barrett, Aileen K. Ho, Katherine A. Finlay |
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| Rok vydání: | 2022 |
| Předmět: | |
| Zdroj: | Disability and Rehabilitation. :1-10 |
| ISSN: | 1464-5165 0963-8288 |
| Popis: | This study explored how partners/spouses of people with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) experienced intimacy, sexual function, and sexual satisfaction post-SCI.Qualitative, semi-structured interviews were conducted with the partners/spouses of people with SCI living in the community in the United Kingdom. Twelve participants (7 females; 5 males) were recruited using purposive sampling. A nine-item semi-structured interview design was used. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysedThree superordinate themes were demonstrated: (1) Stolen sex through unpreparedness; (2) Redefining sex; and (3) Compromised commitment. Partners struggled to come to terms with the shock of radically altered post-SCI sexual relationships, questioning how their changed sexual relationship and sexual identity conflicted with caring requirements. To minimise post-SCI relationship changes, some partners engaged in strategies to protect against, distract from and avoid sexual intimacy, whereas others were able to retain adapted pre-injury patterns of intimate behaviour.Compromised sexual function and satisfaction significantly disrupt relationship dynamics post-SCI, initiate voluntary celibacy, and limit the perceived viability of continued sexual intimacy. Specialist partner-support provisions are urgently needed, recognising that partner support needs areSexual function and satisfaction are highly challenging areas for partners post-spinal cord injury (SCI).Support and education for the partner must be incorporated into SCI rehabilitation to help with both adjustment and acceptance to changes in sexual functioning post-SCI.Partner contributions to and experiences of sexual function and satisfaction should be given more value, as these aid in the sustainability of healthy sexual relationships and psychological wellbeing following SCI. |
| Databáze: | OpenAIRE |
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